Skipper is staying as long I am, says Stevie

second leg over in Slovenia. ‘I think the second 45 minutes is the best we’ve seen from Rangers so far,’ admitted Gerrard. ‘It’s very close to how we want it to look. ‘The challenge for us is whether we can do it over 90 minutes because, if we do, we’ll be a very good team. ‘It’s always nice to get a bigger advantage in Europe, so the third goal is an important goal for us but we certainly won’t be getting carried away by the scoreline. ‘I thought the players were terrific tonight, especially second half.’ Windass was joint-top goalscorer for Rangers last term but Gerrard (left) revealed the player had been keen to pursue a switch to the English Championship. ‘Wigan got to a number the board were happy with and the board put the decision in mine and Mark Allen’s hands,’ revealed the Ibrox boss. ‘I spoke to Josh this morning and asked him what he wanted to do — and he made it clear he wanted to go and speak with Wigan.

‘I wouldn’t stand in anyone’s way if they want to play for another team in their favourite position.

‘Josh wants to be a No9 every game for Rangers and I couldn’t guarantee him that. I could guarantee him football matches but maybe in different positions and formations.

‘Maybe (Wigan manager) Paul Cook said he could be No 9 every week and that may well have triggered his decision.

‘Josh is a good boy and we got on well, but he wanted to speak to Wigan and I don’t want to stand in his way if that’s what he wants.’

Maribor coach Darko Milanic admitted Rangers had turned the tables on his side in the second half with a dominant display.

‘We couldn’t match our first-half performance,’ he said. ‘Losing that third goal has made things much more difficult for us, but the mission is not yet complete. We will try our best next week.

‘I think at times we were too slow in keeping up with the attacks of Rangers, who played very aggressively.’